Rotary binding machine



July 10, 1928.

J. M. LEAVER, JR

' ROTARY BINDING MACHINE Filed May 10. 1920 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 JLM lleaaeryefzg lll l l|\l [II In! Illa INVENTOR,

WITNESSES ATTORNEY July 10, 1928.

v J. M LEAVERJR ROTARY BINDING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 10.19 20 llll I.

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ATTO RN EY J. M. LEAVER. JR

ROTARY BINDING MACHINE July 10, 19,28.

7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 10. 1920 cfdflieaver;

INVENTOR,

' WITNESSES MM M W ATTORNEY 1,676,956 1 J. M. LEAVER; JR I 1 ROTARYBINDING MACHINE July 10, 1928.

jFi iedylay 10. 1920 '7 Sheets-Sheet .4

JNy-ENT R,

WITNESS ES ATTORNEY July 10, 1928'.

- 1,676,956 -J. M. LEAVER. JR ROTARY BINISING MACHINE Filed May 10' 1920'7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR,

cI-JMZc-ab'er', diz,

WITNESSES ATTORNEY Julylo, v1928-, I 1,676,956 I 7 I J. M.LEAVER, 'JR

ROTARY BINDING MACHINE I FildMay 10. 1920 v Sheets$heet 5 TERA??? 2 I IWITNESSES BY AT'TORNEY July 10, 1928. 1,676,956 v J. M. LEAVER, JR

ROTARY BINDING MACHINE Filed May 10. 1 2 (Sheets-Sheet 7 WITNESSESATTORN EY Patented July 10, 1928.

via

JAMES MARSHALL LEAVER, JR... OF OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

ROTARY BINDING MACHINE.

Application filed May 10,

This invention relates to machines for binding bundles, boxes or thelike with wires or other metallic bands. An object of the invention isto provide a machine which 15 capable of wrapping one or more bands atany desired point about a box or bundle whereupon the bands may benalledor otherwise secured in place. Another ob ect is to furnish amachine which will put a band under constant tension about a box orbundle regardless of the size of the same.

The invention may be understood by reference to one illustrativeembodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a machine for placing bands about bundlesor boxes.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the right hand portion of the machine shown inFig. 1.

Fig. 3" is a similar view of the left hand portion of the machine. 7

Fig. 4 is an elevation of one of the clamping chucks.

Fig. 5 is across section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross section on the line 66 of Fig. 4..

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross section of one of the band carrying andtensioning de- VJCES.

. Fig. 9 is an elevation of the same with parts in section.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary front elevation of another form of a wirebinding machine, omitting certain parts not essential to anunderstanding of. the machine.

Fig. 11 is an end elevation of the machine of Fig. 10. I

The base 10 of the machine is preferably supported by casters 11 sothat. the machine is portable; A standard 12 is fixed upon the l5 baseupon one end thereof and supports a rotary chuck with associated parts.A similar standard 13 is also mounted on the base, so as to beadjustable on the same toward and from the fixed standard 12, bolts 14or i the like being provided to clamp the standard 13 in any adjustedposition. The adjustable standard 13 also supports a rotary chuck, thetwo rotary chucks comprising means whereby abox or similar article may1920. Serial No. 380,376.

be clamped and rotated, for example about a horizontal axis.

Near the fixed standard 12 a motor 15 is shown, said motor having adriving pinion 16 meshing with a gear 17 which is secured to the drivingportion 18 of a clutch, Whose construction is not illustrated because itis not a part of this invention. The clutch also comprises the drivenportion 19 which is secured upon the main driving shaft 26 of themachine. The gear 17 with the driving portlonof the clutch is mountedloosely on the driving shaft and when the clutch is en gaged it will beclear that the motor 15 will turn the driving shaft 26.

Also secured upon the shaft 26 is a gear 21 meshing with an idler 22mounted upon a stub shaft provided upon standard 12. The idler 22 inturn mesheswith a gear 23 which is shown as of the same size'as thegears 17 and 21, so that a single rotation of gear 17 will effect asingle rotation of the gear 23. This arrangement is merely a matter ofpreference.

The driving shaft 26 has a key-wa or a spline 26 (see Figs. 3 and 3),where y the gear 27 may rotate therewith and at the same time beadjustable along the same. The gear 27 meshes with an idler 28 supportedupon the stub shaft 31 secured to the adjustable standard 13. A gear 29of the same dimensions as gear 27 meshes with the idler 28. The gears 29and 27 are entirely analogous to the gears 23 and 21 respectively, oneset of gears being provided for each standard to rotate one of thechucks. The gear 23 is fixed upon a collar or sleeve 32 rotatablymounted at the upper end of standard 12 and fixed to the rotary chuck34.' The gear 29 in turn is fixed to a sleeve or collar 33 integral withthe rotary chuck 35.

The rotary chucks 34, 35 are exactly alike' and have similar mechanismsassociated therewith.

Extending longitudinally at the rear of the machine, at the basethereof, is a rock shaft 24:. To this rock shaft is secured an operatinglever 25 having a foot pedal at its outer end, as shown. Near the clutchend of the operating lever an arm 20 is fixed (see Fig. 3), which armcauses the clutch to engage when whereby simultaneous rotation of thechucks is effected. The preferred clutch is of that type which aftera'single whereby the shafts may rotation automatically disengagesitself, so when the toot-controlled lever is presscd, a single rotationof the chucks will take place and as the parts assume their initialposition the clutch will be disengaged and the rotation will cease.

Also extending longitiulinally ot the machine are a pair ofscrew-threaded shafts 36. 37, one end of each of said slia't'ts turningin a bearing 38 provided upon the base. The shafts 36. 37 have squaredends as indicatcd at 39 and 40 respectively (Fig. 3), .be rotated, aswith a wrench or similar tool. The shaft 36 engages with the adjustablestandard 13 to move the same toward and from the fixed standard 12 sothat the distance between the chucks may be varied to accommodate boxesof different lengths. Au intermediate standard 41 is also adjustablymounted on the base having bolts 42 whereby it may be clamped in anyadjusted position. The

threaded shaft 37 engages with the standard ,proper 41 to change theposition of the same independently of the adjustment of the standard 13and associated parts. Thusit is seen that standard '41 may be shiftedalong the base toward either end chuck without changing the adjustmentof standard 13.

Reference should now be made to Figs. 2 and 4 to 7 inclusive wherein theconstruction of one of the end chucks 35 is shown. An angle bar 43 isfixed upon the inner face of this chuck to provide aconvenient rest. orfixed jaw upon which the box or similar article is supported. This fixedjaw co-opcrates with a movable clamping jaw to be described. An arm 44is slidably mounted upon the chuck between the angle bar 43 and body ofthe chucks as seen in Figs. 4 and 5. This arm carries an enlarged head46 which is made dovetailed in cross sectionas seen in Fig. 7. Thisdovetailed head 46 is slidably mounted in a similarly shaped slot 47provided in the face of the chuck. The dovetailed head 46 is in turnslotted as indicated at 48 to receive bolts 50 or the like which boltsprovide means whereby a clamping jaw 49 may be secured in adjustablepositions along the head 46. The slots 48 extend approximately theentire length of the dovetailed head 46 as seen in Fig. 4 or for alength equal to the radius of the chuck.- Thus the clamping jaw may beadjusted with respect to the fixed jaw 43. The lower end of the arm 44carries a roller 45.

The clamping jaw 49 is shown provided by an angle bar with a flange 53slotted as indicated at 53. Fig. 5, to receive the upper end of anadjustable chuck jaw 52. A slotted piece 54 is adjustably attached tothe clamping jaw 49 to hold the adjustable jaw 52 in proper aligmnent. AT-head slot is provided in the face of the chuck and extends from theperiphery thereof inward 1 or a distance nearly equal to the radius ofthe chuck. Bolts 55 adjustably secure the chuck jaw 52 along the slot51. The chuck plate has at 56.

The sleeve or collar 33 is provided with an oll'sct. boss or1)}0jtt2ll0ll (3S and a. similar projection 9 is provided on a bracket67, fixed to the arm 44. A spring tit) is held upon said projections andexerts pressure upon the bracket to impart: to the arm 44 a normaltendency to move into the position shown in Fig. 4. 'ith the roller 45extended beyond the periphery of the chuck and the clamping jaw 49 beingtixed relatively to the arm ll, it is seen that the spring 66 also movesthe clamping jaw into clamping or compressing position. whereby the boxor similar article is held securely during the rotation of the chucks.The function of theadjustable chuck jaw 52 to support the rear side ofthe box and hold the same in position upon the chuck.

The reason why the springs" (36 are otl'sct. is because the knottermechanism on each chuck is tixed and bundles having considerable widthcan only be supported to the rear of these knotter mechanisms whichalways form their knots substantially at the lower forward corner of thebundle. Since all bundles or other objects which are to be bound must.have their corners in proper position relative to the knottermechanisms. it. will. be clear that when very large bundles are beinghandled they will extend further to the rear of the chuck than forwardlythereof, and as the size of the bundles increases, the clamping actionof the bar tit) becomes of greater importance. The otl'setting of thesprings causes the rear portion of large bundles to be clamped as lirmlyas the forward portion of such bundles. A further reason for oti'scttingthe spring is to give the necessanv clearance for operation of theknotter actuating parts (described in application Serial No. l8t).375).This machine was designed to conform to c-onnnercial retpiirements. andthese place a limitation upon dimensions.

Inasmuch as practically all boxes and an annular tlange as indicated lUUpackages are branded or labeled on ends.

the sides. tops and bottom being subjectedto wear. scratching anddetacement due to handling and shifting during consignment. thesemachine chucks were especially designed to avoid such clamping devicesas would tend to deface the ends of packages. boxes or bundles. Theinjury and consequent depreciation in value brought about by the use ofend-penetrating securing devices is a serious matter and makes machinescontaining such devices commercially impracticable.

The means -tor moving the clamping jaw into and out ot engagement, withthe box tensioning the saline.

will now be described. Reference should be made to Fig. 2 which showsthe mechanism carried by the adjustable standard 13 for operatingclamping jaw 49. This mechamsm has its duplicate in a mechanism providedfor the chuck mounted on the fixed standard 12. An engagement arm 57 ispivotally supported as at 59 upon the standard 13 and is normally urgedin a downward direction by means of a spring 58. A bell crank lever 60is also pivotally mounted as at 62 upon the standard 13 and carries aroller 61 at its upper end. The other end of the bell crank lever 60 isswingably connected with the link 63 in turn pivoted upon the end of anarm 64. The opposite end of the arnrM is secured to the lever shaft 24.The normal position of these parts is shown in full lines in Fig. 2when'the arm 4% with its clamping jaw 49 is shown in raised position.When the operating lever 25 is depressed the parts will assume theposition shown in dotted lines in this figure. The roller 61 moves outfrom under the engagement arm 57 whereupon the latter moves downwardlypermitting the arm 44: to move outwardly under the influence of spring66, whereupon the box is clamped by jaw 49.

As stated above the lever arm 25 also operates the clutch by means ofthe arm 20. The connection between the arm 20 and the clutch mechanismis such that the clutch is not engaged when the operating lever 25 ismoved into the lower of the positions shown in Fig. 2, but is onlyengaged when the operating lever is depressed into a third position. Theresult of this arrangement is that when the operating lever is moved bythe operator the box is first clamped, then a further movement of theoperating lever causes rotation of the box a single turn. When the boxassumes its original position the engagement arm'57 upheld by thevertical arm of the bell crank lever 60 forces the arm 44 in wardlywhereupon the clamping jaw releases the box.

The described machine is well adapted to place fiat metallic bands aboutboxes, bundles or other articles of a more or less rigid constructionhaving a definite shape. The machine is so made that any number of thesebands may be placed about a box and the spacing between them may bevaried at will to suit all trade conditions. The two standards 12 and 13each carry means for holding a supply of metallic bands and means forThe intermediate standard 41 carries similar means. The band holding andtensioning means of the three standardsare exactly the same (see Figs.2, 8 and 9).

As shown in the figures referred to, a reel is rotatably mounted upon apivotal element 71 secured to a standard. The pivotal element 71 carriesa tension arm 72. Mounted upon the pivotal element 71, between the reel'70 and the pivoted end of arm 72, is a friction disk 73. A similar disk74 is also provided upon the reel support 71 to bear against theopposite face of the reel. A cap '75 fits over the friction disk 74. Aspring 7 6 bears against the cap, a washer 77 and nut 7 8 being threadedupon'the outer end of the pivotal element 71 to'adjust the tension ofspring 7 6. Obviously the spring causes the friction disks 7 3and 74 topress against the sides of the reel 70 with a sutficient force torestrain free rotation of the same.

The width of the reel 70 is shown to be eqlual to the width of themetallic band w lltll it is designed to carry. Obviously by substitutinga wire reel, wire bands may be used to bind the boxes or bundles. of a.flat band is shown in Fig. 9. The band 80 passes up from the coil 79through a band guide 81 fixed upon the tension arm 72 immediately belowthe crowding wheel 82. The band guide 81 directs the band over theperiphery of the crowding wheel which is nothing more .than a rollerwhose width is about that of the band. The crowding Wheel 82 isrotatably mounted upon a pin 83 secured to the tension arm 72, a washer8-1 spacing the crowding wheel oil from the tension arm.

The upper end of the tension armcarries a tension wheel 86 rotatablyupon a bolt 85. Friction disks 87 and 88 and a cap 89 and the spring 90,washer 91 and tension adjusting nut 92 are provided for the tensionwheel 86, all of said parts being the same as the corresponding partsdescribed in connection with the reel 70. The tension wheel has annularflanges 98 between which the crowding wheel 82 is received. Theperiphery ot the crowding wheel is separated from the periphery of thetension wheel a distance about equal to the'thiekness of the band.Inasmuch as free rotation of the reel is prevented by the frictionblocks and since rotation of the tension wheel is likewise retardedwhile the crowding wheel holds the band tightly pressed against thetension wheel it' will be clear that a considerable tension may beexerted upon the band. which tension moreover is variable by adjustmentof the nuts 78 and 92.

upwardly from the tension wheel 86 to the lower outside corner of a boxto be bound. lVhen the box is first placed in the machine the end of theband will be secured near the stated corner of the box by means of anail 96 or the like. It the machine is used to place wires aroundbundles or boxes, the ends of each wire will be secured by staples Whenthe box 97 is rotated, the band 80 will be wrapped about the same andwhen the parts assume their original position, after a single rotation,the tensioued band will overlap that end which is secured to the Asshown in Fig. 2, the band 80 is carriedtill A coil 79 box at 96whereupon a second nail may be driven through the band into the box,which will securely bind the box with the band under permanent tension.

It has been found when binding boxes of small dimensions that at acertain point in the rotation thereof the band ceases to be drawn outagainst the resistance of the tensioning means. In other words there isa neutral point which causes a certain slack to form in the band. Toinsure the maintenance of the working length of the band in thenecessary taut condition, the tension'arm 72 is constructed and arrangedto have a compensating action, or in other words to yield and retract aportion of the working length of the hand during the wrapping of thebox. Conveniently, the band yielding and retracting action of the arm 72is obtained by oscillation of said arm toward and from the box, duringrotation by the chucks. The arm oscillating means'consists of aneccentric 95 mounted upon the drive shaft 26 and adjustable along withits associated standard. An arm 9- connects the eccentric to the tensionarm so that rotation of the drive shaft is translated into oscillationof the tension arm. The drive gearing described causes a single rotationof the chucks, and consequently of the clamped box, during each cycle ofthe machine. The tension arms are all oscillated simultaneously so thateach of the several bands which are being placed about the box will havethe same tension.

In the illustrative machine, the point at which the slack compensationis greatest is reached when the box has been rotated more than threequarters of a revolution, when the band has just encompassed the box,this is the point at which said compensation is usually most needed toinsure a tightly bound box.

In Figs. 10 and 11 is shown an embodiment of the present inventionespecially adapted to wrap wire or similar binding means about bundlesof material such as lumber. The machine of these figures supports abundle ltlt) between two end chucks exactly like the cud chucksdescribed above, which chucks are rotated in unison with the drive shaft26 by means of the gears 27, 29. An eccentric 95 is secured to the driveshaft 26 and has an arm 9% in pivotal engagement with a tensioning' arm102. The tensioning arm'102 is mounted on the same pivot as the wirereel 101 so as to rock about that pivot, and carries at its upper end atensioning wheel 103. This tensioning arm is oscillated precisely as isthe arm 72 of the previously described embodiment of the invention. A

wire knotting means may be provided upon the rotary chuck so as to knotthe wire when wrapped about the bundle ends. Such knotting mechanism maybe of any preferred form. One form of knot-ting mechanism well adaptedfor a machine of this character is described and claimed in. the genericapplication to which reference has been made above. Instead of knottingthe wire, its

ends may be secured by a staple or similar The present application isrelated to an application tiled of even date herewith, Serial No.380,375. The chief difference between the machine of the presentinvention and the machine of the copending application is that thepresent machine comprises in the Inain two end chucks and therefore iswell adapted to place metallic bands or wires about bundles, boxes orsimilar articles of fixed form. The machine of Figs. 10 and 11, mayhowever be used to wrap and then knot wire about bundles ofsubstantially non-compressible material, as lumber. Furthermore, the

machine may wrap each band, it the band is a wire, any number of timesabout a box or bundle, and when the wrapping is completed, the wire maybe secured by a staple instead of a knot.

Among the advantages of the present machine are that it is adjustable toboxes or bundles of any size, that it places a plurality of bands aboutthe box wherever desired, and that the bands are maintainedunderconstant tension whether the box be large or small.. While only oneintermediate standard has been shown carrying band supporting andtensioning means, it will be obvious that the machine of the presentinvention may employ two or more standards similar to 41 whereby tour ormore tensioned bands may be simultaneously placed about a box. It iswithin the Scope of my invention to do away with the automatic slackcompensating means and to employ tension arms similar to thosedescribed, but fixed upon the standards. This construction is describedand shown in the eopending case. It boxes of a standard size are to bebound, it will be clear that the automatic take-up of the slack in theband will not be necessary. Furthermore, it will be obvious that by llbpressing on the operating edal after once enveloping an ob ect, anot ierenvclopment will take place; thus permitting the binding of the objectas securely as may be desired.

Obviously the present invention is not restricted to the particularembodiments thereof herein shown and described. Moreover, it is notindispensable that all the features of the invention be used conjointlysince they may be employed advantageously in various combinations andsubcombinations as defined in the claims.

hat is claimed is: r 1. In a machine of the class described, a pair ofrotary chucks arranged to turn about a common horizontal axis, eachchuck being adapted to support the end of a bundle, means for wrapping aband about a bundle during the rotation of the chucks, said wrappingbeing completed before the completion otsaid rotation, and means forautomatically releasing said bundle when itassumes its originalposition. 2. In a machine of the class described,

means for holding the bundle during rotation, said holding meansincluding a fixed jaw providing a rest, and a spring-actuated clampingjaw movable toward and from the rest, said spring being ofl'set withrespect to the axis of r0.- tation.

3. In a machine of the. class described, a rotary chuck having a fixedjaw, a clamping jaw slidably mounted on said chuck, an arm fixed to theclamping jaw and slidable therewith, said jaw being adjustable withrespect to said arm, and means normally urging said clamping jaw towardsaid fixed jaw.

4. In a machine of the class described, a rotary chuck having a fixedjaw, a clamping means for rotating a bundle,

jaw slidably mounted upon said chuck, an

arm fixed to the clamping jaw and slidable therewith, said jaw beingadjustable with respect to said arm, means for normally urging saidclamping jaw toward said fixed jaw, and means for controlling movementsof both the clamping jaw and the rotary chuck whereby the bundle isfirst clamped, then rotated and finally released.

5. In a machine of the class described, a'

rotary chuck, a guiding slot provided on the chuck, an arm slidable insaid slot and extending beyond the edge of said chu.ck,-a clamping awsecured to the arm, and means for engaging with the extended end of thearm to move the jaw at the completion of each revolution of the chuck.

6. In a machine'ofthe class described, a

rotary chuck, an arm slidably mounted on said chuck and extending beyondthe edge of said chuck, a clamping jaw adjustably secured along saidarm, and means for engaging with the extended end of the arm to move thejaw at the completion of arevolution of the chuck.

7. In a: machine of the cla-"s described, a rotary chuck, a guiding slotprovided on the chuck, an arm slidable in sa-id slot and extendingbeyond the edge of said chuck. a clamping jaw secured to said arm withinthe confines of said chuck, and a swingable engagement arm adapted toencounter the extended end of the slidable arm to move the jaw once ineach revolution of the chuck.

8. In a machine of the class described, a"

rotary chuck, a guiding slot provided on the chuck, an arm slidable insaid slot to extend beyond the edge of said chuck, a clamping jawsecured to said arm, means for imparting-a tendency to said arm to moveinto the position stated with the jaw in clamping position, and meansengaging with the extended end of the arm to move the jaw against theresistance of the last-mentioned means at the completion of therevolution. of

' the chuck.

a support, a rotary chuck mounted on the support, a clamping'jawprovided on the rotary chuck and having an arm, a lever pivoted upon thesupport and normally supporting an engagement arm, said engagement armbeing also pivoted upon the Support and normally upholding the clampingjaw. 11. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, a clamping jaw provided on the rotary chuck andhaving an arm, a lever pivoted upon the support and normally upholdingan engagement arm, said engagement arm being also pivoted upon thesupjaw arm, and means for turning said lever whereby the engagement armis allowed to move away from the clamping jaw arm to permit clampingaction of said jaw.

12. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, a clamping jaw provided on the rotary chuck andhaving an arm, a lever pivoted upon the support, said lever mounting aroller at one end, an engagement arm riding upon said roller when themachine is at rest, said clamping jaw arm also having a roller, theengagement arm being pivoted upon the support and engaging the roller ofthe clamping jaw arm when the machine is at rest.

13. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, a clamping jaw provided on the port and normallyupholdingthe clamping 1 rotary chuck and having an arm, said arm rollerof said lever when the machine is at rest, said engagement arm beingalso pivoted upon the support and 1n engagement with the roller of theclamping jaw arm to release the clamping jaw when the maclnne is atrest, and means for causing swinging of said lever.

14. In a machine of the class desoribed,-a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, a spring-actuated clamping aw provided on therotary chuck and having an arm, a lever pivoted upon the support, saidlever normally supporting an engagement arm, a spring for impelling saidengagement arm against said lever, said engagement arm being alsopivoted upon the support and normally upholding the clamping aw arm.

15. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotarychuckmounted on the support, a spring-actuated clamping aw provided on therotary chuck and havingan arm, a lever pivoted. upon the support, saidlever normally supporting an engagement arm, a spring for impclling saidengagement arm against said lever, said engagement arm being alsopivoted upon the support and normally upholdingthe clamping jaw arm, andmeans for turning sa1 d lever whereby the engagement arm is permitted tomove away from the clamping jaw arm to allow clamping motion of saidjaw.

16. In a machine of the class described, a support, rotary chucksmounted on the sup port, means for rotating said chucks, a clamping jawprovided on the rotary chuck and having an arm, a lever pivoted upon thesupport and normally upholding an engagement arm, said engagement armbeing also pivoted upon the support and normally upholding the clampingjaw arm, means for swinging said lever whereby the engagement arm ispermitted to move away from the clamping jaw arm to allow clampingaction of the jaw, the means for swinging said lever cooperating withthe means for rotating the chucks so that the clamping jaw is actuatedbefore the start of said rotation and is released .at the completionthereof.

17. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, a slotted guide provided on said chuck, an armslidable within said guide, a clamping jaw adjustable on said arm, alever pivoted upon the support, an engagement arm normally upheld bysaid lever and also pivoted upon the support, said engagement armnormally upholding the clamping jaw arm.

18. In a machine of the class described, a support, a rotary chuckmounted on the support, an arm slidably mounted on said chuck, aclamping jaw lying at substantially right angles to said arm andadjustable longitudinally of the same, a. lever pivoted upon thesupport, an engagement arm normally supported by said lever and beingalso pivoted upon the support said engagement arm normally upholding'theclamping jaw arm.

19. In a machine of the class described, a drive shaft, power means forturning said shaft, a clutch interposed between the power means and theshaft, said clutch permitting a single rotation of the shaft at onetime, rotatable means for supporting an article, means interposedbetween said supporting mcans'and the drive shaft whereby the supportingmeans is rotated once on its axis during each cycle of the machine,means for wrapping a band about the article during said rotation, andmeans automatically yielding and retracting said band while beingwrapped about the article.

20. In a machine of the class described, a power driven drive shaft,means permitting a single rotation of the drive shaft at one time,rotatable means for supporting an article, means interposed between saidsupporting means and the drive shaft whereby the supported article isrotated synchronously with the drive. shaft, means for wrapping a bandabout the article during such rotation, and means for n'iaintaining saidband constantly tensioned during said rotation.

21. In a machine of the-class described, a power driven drive shaft,means permitting a single rotation of the drive shaft at one time,rotatable means for supporting an article, means interposed between saidsupporting means and the drive shaft whereby the supporting means isrotated once synchronously with the drive shaft, means for wrapping aband about the article during said rotation, means for tensioning theband including an arm, and means for moving the tensioning means tocompensate for any slack in theband.

22. A machine of the class described, comprising, in combination, meansfor rotating a bundle, means for wrapping a tensioned band about thebundle as it is rotated, and oscillatory power-actuated means forcompensating for the variation in the tension in said band brought aboutby engagement of the band with the bundle during the rotation of thebundle.

23. In a machine of the class described, means for holding and rotatinga bundle, means for placing a band under tension about the bundle duringrotation, and automatically actuated means for maintaining asubstantially constant tension in said band as it is wrapped about thebundle.

24. In a machine of the class described, means for placing a band undertension about a bundle, means for automatically maintaining the tensionof said band as it is placed about the bundle. said means acting tocompensate for slack formed in the band. the parts being so constructedand arranged that said compensation is small when the tit) tion is at aminimum when the lower sideof the bundle has been engaged by the band,increases to a maximum as the bundle is encompassed, and decreasesslightly as the parts assume their original position.

26. In a machine of the class described, means for rotating a bundle,means for placing a band about the bundle as it is rotated, and meansfor compensating for variation of tension in the band caused by therotation of the bundle, the parts being so constructed and arranged thatsaid compensation iii-- creases to a maximum when the bundle has beenrotated more than three-quarters of a revolution.

27. In a lnachine of the class described, means for rotating a bundle,means for wrapping a plurality of bands about the bundle as it isrotated, operator controlled means for adjusting the lateral spacing ofthe bands, and means cooperating with each band for compensating forvariation in the tensions of said bands caused by the rotation of thebundle.

28. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of rotary chucks,each chuck having cooperating therewith means for supporting andclamping a bundle, means for wrapping a band about-the bundle, means forplacing the band under tension during the wrapping operation, and meansfor mov ing said tensioning means to compensate for the variation inband tension caused by the rotation of the bundle.

29. In a machine of the class described, a

plurality of rotary chucks, means on each chuck for supporting andclamping a bundle, means to simultaneously rotate the chucks, means forcontrolling the two previously mentioned means, said last-named meansoperating to first cause clamping of the bundle, then rotation of thebundle, and finally releasing the bundle, means for placing a band aboutthe bundle during the rotation, means for tensioning the band, and meansfor compensating for the variation of tension caused by the rotation ofthe bundle.

30. In a machine of the class described, means for rotating a bundle,means for placing a plurality of bands about the bundle as it isrotated, means for adjusting the spacing of the bands relatively to eachother, means for tensioning each band, means for adjusting saidtensioning means, and meansfor compensating for the variation in thetensions of said bands causedby the rotation of the bundle.

31. In a machine of the class described, means for clamping a bundle,means for to tating the bundle when clamped, means for placing a bandabout the bundle as it is ?5 rotated. means for tensioning the band,means for compensating for the variation in tension of the hand causedby the rotation of the bundle, and means for releasing the clampingmeans as the bundle assumes its original position.

32. In a machine of the class described, a plurality of rotary chucksmounted to turn about a common horizontal axis, each of said chuckshaving means for supporting and clamping a bundle, means for placing aband under tension about a bundle, means for maintaining the tension ofsaid band automatically as it is placed about the bundle, and means forcompensating for any slack formed in the band, said compensation beingsmall when the wrapping starts, increasing to a maximum as three sidesof the bundle are encompassed and decreasing again; as the partsassumetheir original positions.

33. In a machine of the class described, a reel, a support for the same,means for retarding free rotation of the reel, an arm pivoted on thereel support, a tension wheel on said arm, means for restraining freerotation on said Wheel, a band carried by the reel and passing up overthe tension wheel, and means for swinging said arm to change the tensionof said band.

34. A machine of the class described, com prising, in combination, adrive shaft, an eccentric arm mounted on said shaft, a support, a bandtensioning arm pivoted upon the support, the eccentric arm beingconnected to the band tensioning arm, whereby the band tensioning arm isrocked to regu late the tension of bands carried upon the bandtensioning arm.

35. In a machine of the class described, a drive shaft. an eccentric armmounted on said shaft, a support, a tension arm pivoted upon thesupport, the eccentric arm being connected to the tension arm, saidtension arm carrying a band, means on the tension 9 arm for regulatingthe tension in said band, the oscillations of the tension'arm by theeccentric arm acting to take up the slack in said band.

36. In a machine of the class described, a drive shaft, an eccentric armmounted on said shaft, a tension arm pivoted upon a support, a reelmounted on said support for carrying a band, the eccentric arm beingconnected to the tension arm, said band hav- 139 ing its slack taken upby said tension arm when swun 37. In amachine of the class described, adrive shaft, an eccentric arm mounted on said shaft, a tension armpivoted upon a support, a reel rotatable on the same sup- )ort andcarrying a band, the eccentric arm being connected to thetension arm,the support and the tension arm carrying means for creating a tension insaid band, the cocentric arm swinging the tension arm.

38. In a machine of the class described, a

drive shaft, an eccentric arm mounted on said shaft, a tension armpivoted upon a support, the eccentric arm being connected to the tensionarm, a reel carrying a band rotatably mounted on the support, means forrestrainin free rotation of the reel whereby the Iiand is putundertension, means on the tension arm for adding to the tension of the band,said tension arm being oscillated by the eccentric arm whereby slack istaken u in the tensioned band.

39. In a machlne of the class described, a drive shaft, an eccentric armmounted on said shaft, a tension arm pivoted upon a support, theeccentric arm being connected to the tension arm, and a band having atension imparted thereto by the tension arm, the tension arm being swungabout its pivot whereby the tension is periodically increased anddiminished.

40. In a machine of the class described, a drive shaft, an eccentric armmounted on said shaft,-a support, a tensionarm pivoted upon the support,a tension wheel mounted upon the free end of the tension arm, means forrestraining free rotation of the tension wheel, the eccentric arm beingconnected to the tension arm, whereby the tension of a band is regulatedby swinging of the tension arm.

4].. In amachine of the class described, a drive shaft, an eccentric armmounted upon said shaft, 2, support, a tension arm pivoted upon thesupport, the eccentric arm being connected with the tension arm, thelatter arm carrying a tension wheel for engagement with a band, meansfor retarding free rotation of the tension wheel, a band carrying reelmounted on the support and means for restraining free rotation of thereel.

42. In a machine of the class described, a drive shaft, an eccentric armmounted on said shaft, a support, a tension arm pivoted upon thesupport, a reel rotatably carried by said support, the eccentric armbeing connected to the tension arm whereby each rotation of the driveshaft causes the tension arm to'oscillate, a tension wheel mount: ed onthe free end of the tension arm, means for restraining free rotation ofthe wheel, means for regulating said restraining means,

said tension wheel being of such dimensions as to permit wrapping of afiat band carried by the reel about the wheel less than one turn.

43. A machine of the class described coinprising, in combination, adrive shaft, means for supporting an article, means interposed betweenthe supporting means and the drive shaft whereby the article supportingmeans is rotated once on its axis at a'time, means for clamping thebundle during said rotation and means for wrapping a band about thearticle during said rotation.

v 44. A machine of the class described comprising, in combination, adrive shaft, means for supporting an article of definite form anddimensions and substantially incompressible, means interposed betweensaid supporting means and the drive shaft whereby the supporting meansis rotated once on its axis during each binding operation, means forwrapping a band about the article during said rotation and means formaintaining said band under a substantially constant tension.

45. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, said chucks having means upon which an article mayrest for support and positioning, one chuck being fixed, the other chuckbeing adjustable toward and from thefirst chuck to accommodate variouslengths of articles, and means cooperating with each chuck for placinga, band about an article supported between the chucks.

46. In a machine of the classdescribed, a base, a pair of chucks mountedon the base, one chuck being fixed, the other chuck being adjustable onthe base, each chuck having means upon which an article may rest forsupport and positioning, means cooperating with each chuck for placing aband about an article supported on the chucks, and means intermediatethe chucks and adjustable along the base for placing a band about thearticle between the outer bands.

47. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, one chuck being fixed, the other chuck beingadjustable on the base, each chuck having means to support an article,means cooperating with each chuck for placing a band about an article,and means intermediate the chucks and adjustable independently of theadjustable end chuck for placing a band about the article between theouter bands.

48. In a' machine of the class described, a. base, a pair of chuckssupported upon the base, one chuck being fixed, the other chuck beingadj list-able on the base, each chuck having means to support anarticle, and means opera-tively cooperating with the rotation of eachchuck for placing a band under substantially constant tension about anarticle supported on the chuck.

49. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base,

said chucks being relatively adjustable, each chuck having means tosupport an article, means cooperating with each chuck for placing a bandabout the article, means intermediate the chucks and adjustable alongthe base for placing a band about the article between the outer bands,and means for maintaining each of the bands under a substantiallyconstant tension during said placing.

50. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, each chuck having means to support an article,means cooperating with each chuck for placing a band under substantiallyconstant tension about the article, and means for compensating for theslack formed in said bands during the placing of the bands. 51. In amachine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucks mounted on thebase, each chuck having means to support an article, the two chucksbeing adjustable relatively to each other, means cooperating with eachchuck for placing a band about an article, and means for automaticallytaking up slack formed in said bands.

52. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, each chuck having means to support an article,means cooperating with each chuck for placing a band about an articlesupported on the chucks, means intermediate the chucks and adjustablealong the base for placing a band about the article between the outerbands, and means for taking up slack formed in each band.

53. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, each chuck having means to support an article,means cooperating with each chuck for placing a band about the articlesupported on the chucks, means intermediate the chucks for placing aband about the article between the outer bands, means for independentlytensioning each of said bands, and means for taking up the slack in eachband.

54. In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base,

' each chuck having means to support an article, the two chucks beingadjustable relatively to each other, means cooperating with each chuckfor placing a band about an article, and a standard mounted on the baseintermediate of the chucks and adjustable there-between, said standardcarrying means for placing a band about the article.

55, In a machine of the class described, a base, a pair of chucksmounted on the base, each chuck having means to-support an article, thechucks being adjustable relatively to each other, standards rotatablysupporting the chucks, a standard intermediate the chuck supportingstandards and mounted on the base belowthe article supported upon theend chucks, each of said standards cararm, a

rying means whereby a band may be placed about the article when rotated.

' 56. In a machine of the class described, a base, a standard fixed uponthe base, a sec ond standard adjustable along the base,article-supporting chucks mounted upon each of said standards, a thirdstandard intermediate the'chuck supporting standards and independentlyadjustable, each of said standards carrying means for supporting a bandand for imparting a constant tension to the same. I

57 In a machine of the class described, a power-driven gear, a secondgear of the same size as the power-driven gear and coaxial therewith, aclutch interposed between thereafter automatically disengaging itselfwhereby the chuck in turn is rotated once on its axis.

58. In a machine of the class described, an article support, means forwrapping a band about the article, means for tensioning said band, saidtensioning means comprising a band reel, means for retardin freerotationof the reel, a tension arm,a. and guide on the tension arm, a crowdingwheel on the tension arm and a tension wheel adjacent the crowdingwheel.

59. In a machine of the" class described, means for wrapping abandiabout an article, means for tensioning said band, said tensioningmeans comprising a band reel, a tension. arm, a band guide on thetension arm, a crowding wheel on the tension arm, a tension wheeladjacent the crowding wheel, the distance between the peripheries of thecrowding wheel and the tension wheel being sbubsantially equal to thethickness of said 60. In a machine of the class described, means forwrapping a band about an article, means for tensioning said band, saidtensioning means comprising a bandreel, a tension arm, a band guide onthe tension arm, a crowding wheel on the tension arm, a tension wheeladjacent the crowding wheel'and means for retarding tree rotation of thetension wheel.

61. In a machine of the class described. means for wrapping a band aboutan article, means for tensioning said band, said tensioning meanscomprising a band reel, means for retarding free rotation of the reel, atension band guide on the tension arm, a crowding wheel on the tensionarm, a tension wheel adjacent the crowding wheel and means forrestraining free rotation of the tension wheel.

62. A machine of the class described comprising, in combination, meansconstructed and arranged to wrap a bundle with a tensioned band; andpower-actuated means constructed and arranged to yield and retract thehand during the bundle wrapping step, so that any uneven feeding of theband during the bundle wrapping is compensated for and a substantiallyuniformly-tensioned band is placed about the bundle.

63. In a machine of the class described, means for wrapping a band aboutan article, means for tcnsioning said band, said tension- 'ing meanscomprising a band reel, a tension arm,'a band guide on the tension arm,a crowding wheel on the tension arm, and a tension wheel adjacent thecrowdin wheel, said tension wheel having flanges etween which thecrowding wheel is received.

64. In a machine of the class described, means for wrapping a band aboutan article, means for tensioning said band, said tensionin'g meanscomprising a band reel, a tension arm, a crowding wheel on the tensionarm, a tension wheel adjacent the crowding wheel, said tension wheelhaving flanges between which the crowding wheel is received, thedistance between the peripheries of the crowding wheel and the tensionwheel being substantially equal to the thickness of the band, and meansfor restraining free rotation of the tension wheel.

65. In a machine of the class described, means for wrapping a band aboutan article, means for tensioning said band, said tensioning meanscomprising a band reel, a tension arm, a crowdlng wheel on the tensionarm, said crowding wheel having a width equal to that of the band, aband guide on the tension arm mounted immediately below the crowdingwheel to hold the band on the periphery of said wheel, and a tensionwheel adjacent the crowding wheel over which the band is led.

v66. In a machine of the class described, means for wrapping a bandabout an article, means for tensioning the band, said tensioning meansincluding a band reel, a tension arm, a band guide on the tension arm, acrowding wheel on the tension arm and a tension wheel adjacent thecrowding wheel, the band being carried upon the reel and fed through theband guide, over the crowding wheel, between the crowding wheel and thetension wheel, and over the tension wheel.

' 67. A machine of the class described,

in such relation to the bundle support that,

upon rotation thereof, the band is wrapped about the bundle; means forretarding feedJO of the band; and means compensating for slack in theband and active to compensate to a maximum degree at a predeterminedpoint in the rotation of the bundle support. '69. machine of the classdescribed comprising, in combinatiom-a rotary bundle support; means forwrapping a band about the bundle during rotation thereof; and

means compensating fol-uneven feeding-of the hand during thebundlewrapping and active to compensate to a maximum degree when the bundle iscompletely'enveloped by j the band.

70. A machine of the class described comprising, in combination, a pairof simultaneously rotatable bundlesupports; means for holding a bandunder substantial tension and in position to be engaged by the bundlewhen rotated by its supports; an operator controlled means for readilyadjusting at any time the relative position of such supports toaccommodate bundles of different lengths; each of said bundle supportsmechanically connected with a band holding means so that adjustment ofthe supports also adjusts the spacing of the wrapped bands.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have heretoaflixed my signature.

JAMES MARSHALL LEAVER, JR.

